Applied Science: What is a young male turkey called?

The New Philadelphia Science Club is back with another science question in The Times-Reporter.

Comment

Times Reporter

Writer

Posted Dec. 1, 2013 at 12:00 PM

Posted Dec. 1, 2013 at 12:00 PM

The New Philadelphia Science Club is back with another science question in The Times-Reporter. Each week, a new science-related question will be given, and everyone is invited to participate by either mailing the answer to the club at the address below or simply emailing the answer to the address given.

You can also participate by making a suggestion for a question or a topic you would like us to cover. At the end of the school year, several winners will be chosen from all the correct entries submitted to receive a prize. To participate in this drawing, please send your answer to:

New Philadelphia High School-Room 331

343 Ray Ave. NW

New Philadelphia, OH 44663

Email answers to: Houmards@npschools.org

Last week's answer

The correct answer to last week's question is A. Auxins. Auxins promote root initiation. Auxin induces both growth of pre-existing roots and adventitious root formation, which is branching of the roots. As more auxin is transported down the stem to the roots, the overall development of the roots is stimulated. If the source of auxin is removed, for example the tips of stems are trimmed, the roots are less stimulated accordingly, and growth of stem is supported instead.

This week's question

Let's talk turkey. Thanksgiving was this past Thursday, so we decided to bring you an article about our favorite festive bird. There is a misconception that turkeys are animals that primarily stay on the ground, but this is not true. They do nest on the ground in fields, but they do roost in trees. Turkeys prefer to sleep perched atop tree branches, where they are safe from predators, which include coyotes, foxes and raccoons.

Turkeys often sleep in flocks and upon waking, call out a series of soft yelps before descending to make sure that the rest of their roosting group is OK after a night of not seeing or hearing one another. Wild turkeys also can fly, going against most common beliefs. Wild turkeys also have great vision (just ask a hunter). This is because; its eyes are on the sides of its head, giving the bird a wide range of vision. By rotating its head, the turkey has a 360-degree field of vision. The last fact is turkeys can "blush." When a turkey becomes frightened, agitated, excited or ill, the exposed skin on its head and neck can change from its usual pale pink or bluish gray color to red, white, or blue. During mating season, the male turkey's wattle turns scarlet to reflect his elevated sex hormone levels. The fleshy flap of skin that hangs over the gobbler's beak is called a snood, and also turns bright red when the bird is excited. Now, our question pertaining to the turkey. What is the name given to a young male turkey?